Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE delivered a commanding performance at the ongoing African Netball Championships in Malawi yesterday, overpowering nemesis Kenya 53-44 to book their place in the semi-finals.
The Gems, who are in second place in Group B will face South Africa in the semi-finals this afternoon after their Southern African neighbours finished top in Group A.
In the other semi-final, Group A favourites Uganda will play Malawi.
The semi-finals losers will face off in a bronze medal match. After watching his side power into the last four, assistant coach Perpetua Siyachatema told Zimpapers Sports Hub from Malawi yesterday, that they are now bracing for even tougher assignments in the semi-finals.
“Now this is going to be a real test, we need to play our cards right because South Africa are ranked top in Africa while we are fourth which means that we are in for a real fight,” said Siyachitema.
“We will not look into all that, our eyes are on the gold prize so we will give them our all and the best will win.”
Yesterday, the tough clash between two familiar foes got off to a lukewarm start, with both sides taking a cautious approach, exchanging points in a tightly contested opening.
However, the Gems were quick to find their rhythm, establishing dominance as they exhibited an ability to adapt fast to become unstoppable. The Gems relied on the duo of relative greenhorns Thandazile Ndlovu and Nicole Muzanenhamo’s dynamic partnership as they easily sliced through Kenya’s defence.
Once they gained composure, the Gems barely lost a centre pass in the opening half.
Zimbabwe ensured they were in control of on-court proceedings when outclassing their opponents with precision and tactical superiority, which ensured that they took a 31-23 lead by the half-time break.
What followed immediately after the break was a see-saw affair as both teams wrestled and tussled for control in the mid-court.
Kenya tried to put the Gems under pressure, forcing them to commit unforced errors in a bid to reduce the difference on the score-line.
However, it was not long after the Zimbabweans creeped back into the game in moments when possession became the ultimate dictator while neither side was willing to yield.
Playing with more confidence, they snatched turnovers from the midcourt to give enough supply to Ndlovu and Muzanenhamo who barely wasted their chances.
Siyachitema was elated.
She heaped praises on her side for their mental resilience as they managed to bounce back into the title contention, despite suffering a huge setback when they fell to Uganda two days prior.
“This was a tightly contested game for the greater part, the score is not a reflection of the actual game it-self,” she said.
“Kenya came out guns blazing with a lot of talent that really tested our character and challenged us today (yesterday), but I am happy with how our players stood up and aced the big moments.
“After losing to Uganda in our second game of the tournament, we thought it would be difficult mentally to creep back, but with enough rest we were a new team altogether and the girls managed to play according to instruction.
“We relied on the youngsters because we are building for the future, our aim is the 2027 World Cup, and for the youngsters to show such character, it means our future is bright.”
Ndlovu whose shots, relentless graft and physical dominance set the tone for the Gems’ crucial win, was named the Player of the Match.
The youngster, who turns out for Correctional Queens on the domestic front, paid tribute to the team for putting up stellar performances and ensuring that the shooters got enough supply.
“I appreciate that this is an individual accolade, but I give special thanks to the team because it is them who made this possible . . . without their supply, I would not be able to net those shots,” she said.
“This win takes us to the semi-finals, it will not be an easy game so there is no time to celebrate, we are putting this behind, and focus is already on what we need to work on coming into the next game,” she added.
